What is an audio card?
(And do I need sound cards in my computer?)

Understanding what is an audio card can help you decide if you need to get one, upgrade the one you have, or if it's really nothing to worry about!

An audio card is a small hardware device that allows your computer to process sound input and output so you hear music and other sounds from your computer. It is also used by your CPU to process incoming sounds.

Sound cards take audio signals from devices like microphones or electronic keyboards then transfer it into digital form for storage and playback.

They also convert the digital data stored in the audio files into audio signals that you computer can a) understand and b) send out through the speakers.



Audio sound cards usually come integrated on the motherboard that sits inside your PC; but can also be separate; these are PCI Audio Sound Cards and are connected via a PCI slot to the motherboard.

On the back of your computer there are jacks where your speakers, headphones, and microphone plug into; these are all in the sound card device.

Almost all PCs that are manufactured and sold today have onboard "integrated" sound that is part of the motherboard, so many new computer owners don't even need to concern themselves with sound card details.

Owners should be mindful though that sound cards, will need to be replaced at some point in time – they do age and wear.

Some users have higher demands for better quality audio with things like professional music and gaming. These require higher quality audio than integrated sound can provide.

Serious gamers and multimedia enthusiasts will usually consider purchasing a better quality sound card than the one that comes standard with their pre-built system.





When looking to purchase a new sound card, there are key issues that you need to consider including:

• Do you want 16-bit or 24-bit?
• What audio sample rate do you need?
• Do you want FM synthesis or Wavetable?
• How many and what type of inputs/outputs do you need?
• How will the card match your speakers?

We have explained some of these items in more detail below:

• 16-bit cards are the standard today with prices in the range of $30 and up. Recently released highend 16-bit cards are hitting $250.


• The ratio of signal to noise compares the level of audible is to added noise. So look for a high number - 20dB is a lot better than 2.28 dB so the higher, the better.


• Many users output sound only to their computer speakers and they hardly ever use a microphone so as long as the card matches with the headphones it will meet their needs.


• If you think you will need to switch audio cables a lot, an external audio card will save you a lot of time.

Hopefully you have found your answer to what is an audio card and are now ready to check out the various cards available. You will also want to check out the reviews users wrote from basic sound cards for those on a tight budget to midrange audio cards, highly rated (these are the ones we recommend) to a USB external sound card for great portability and super simple installation. Get Ready, here is where you start!





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